Chapter 27: Chapter 27

CUPID 26

RUBIN

I am speechless. It was like having been hit by a rouge arrow but not realizing it until it was already embedded on my flesh. I blinked and wrapped my arms tightly at the woman who had exclaimed that ‘Aphrodite should be damn for thinking that she can take her daughter away from her.’

My heart soared at that as I looked at the woman whom I claimed as my mother. I guess, I got her spunk.

I caught Caelum’s eyes as he wearily stared at me. I just nodded, assuring him that it’s alright if this woman is not my mother. At least, I get to feel like she was my mum.

I let go of her and we sat back, still taking in our resemblance. It was like seeing an older version of me, sitting across. I can tell from my guts that she was my mother. “I’ve been looking for you. Fourteen long years ‘as passed, I ‘ave lost all ‘ope. Zey never believe me, see? Zey thought I waz insane for claiming zat I ‘ave a zaughter!” She exclaimed, her hands motioning on the air as she continues to speak, “You were zo izzmall when you disappeared at ze park. It waz a beautiful day outside and though its minus five, I took you out to play. We were singing and laughing zen a man came – ‘e told me about Cupids and stuff. I laughed at him of course, but ‘is peculiar appearance ‘unts me ‘til this day. I’ll never forget ‘is purple iris and zose odd markings etched on ‘iz face,” Emily shuddered and I was left astound of the information I was presented.

My mom met Aeon in the past ? But why is it that Aeon was there the day I disappeared? Did Aeon know – that I am the child of the woman he discussed Cupid with?

I tried to catch Caelum’s gaze but his head is bowed on the grass – as though the grass were inscriptions he appear to be studying, deliberately so, to avoid my suspicious eyes.

“’e talks like it waz ze most usual thing to discuss Cupid and ze tragic story of ‘is love life. Ze man’s face is so zad when ‘e finished ze story. ‘e warned me about you and ‘ow I should make a wish, wiz a powerful dezire to save you if ze need arise. I chose not to believe ‘im.” Emily’s eyes were shining with tears as her voice trembled. “When ‘e hurried away, another man appeared – ‘is face I could not remember, sadly, zough I’m sure ‘e did something when ‘e ‘eld my hand. Zen, next zing I know, you were gone, just like zat, you were taken from me.”

Her eyes betrayed her as she sobbed, crying so hard on her hands. I touched her shoulder and squeezed.

I could feel Caelum’s eyes burning, making me look up and meet his gaze, his face showing confusion and guilt. After a while, he shakes his head at me as he stands up. I pat Emily’s back before telling her that I needed to get to something.

I got to my feet and hurried after Caelum who is desperately trying to evade me, his cheeks flushed with effort.

“Not so fast, Mr. Rouen!”

He stopped, his back tensed. I gulped, nervously biting my lip as I think about what to say next. “What? You did not expect me to know your surname? Shouldn’t you consider that women deemed it important to know the man’s surname when they are in a relationship? I have to make sure that it suits well with my first name to agree on using it once we marry!” I blushed at the words I said, not expecting to be so blatant with Caelum.

Slowly, he turns and I am not surprised to see him fuming, his face so red. “What are you blubbering about?” The words slipped in his tightly clenched jaw and I gulped, trying to formulate my next words.

I doubt, I can undo the deep hole I dug myself in.

“Well, you are walking so fast and I doubt you will let me stop you from going away.” Caelum lets out an exasperated sigh, closing his eyes for a moment. He ran his hands over his hair, as though he was annoyed. I squared up my shoulder and asked, “Why are you trying to go away as though you did something wrong? Did you-“

“The odd man who talked to her that day was Aeon,” I stared at Caelum as he confirmed my assumptions. “Aeon used to spread rumors about my identity for he likes a laugh and thinks that it was alright playing with people’s opinions on which I am concerned. It was a very tiring day for me and he pushed me unto doing things I deeply regret. When I got there, he’s done the damage and I got annoyed, I tackled him to the ground as soon as I have tracked him. Emily tried to stop me by holding my hand, but then something happened – I saw something which I cannot remember but she does, so I took her hand again, and wiped away her memory.”

“So, you erased her memory just because you are annoyed that some human remembers your past while you don’t?” I asked incredulously, trying to make him see my point and he bowed his head down, ears blushing.

“I regretted it terribly after but I cannot bring her memory back. It is one of the things I wish I could do and for that, I am so sorry,” He sighs, stepping back, angling his hand on his waist as he bowed his head. “I shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t know that wiping such memory will cause her sanity.”

Biting my lip, I drew closer and held his hand in mine. “It is done. I am just glad that you apologize for your mistakes now. I am thankful that even if you did try to erase her memories, you have managed to retain me in her heart. You really love me even before we met,” I smiled and was surprised when he wiped my cheeks. He pulled me slightly and together we walked all the way back to our tree. Miss Molly was leaning down to my mother who seems to be throwing a tantrum and I tilted my head, trying to listen into their converation.

“Zat man izz going to take my daughter away from me, Molly. ‘e’s going to take ‘er away again and I am afraid zat I won’t be able to find her!”

“Emz,” I watch as Miss Molly gently pat Emily’s hand, “We don’t know if she waz really your daughter. Ze both of you should be weary on jumping into concluzions becauze I am afraid zat zis will break you even more.”

“I’m not going to break. I am not a freaking china!” My mother screams before she bolted upright. She pushes Molly’s hand away as she ran a, her stance clumsier like a child. She tugged on her hair, muttering as she passed us by as though she haven’t seen us.

Frowning, me and Caelum followed her by the river bank, a safe distance away so that she won’t be startled, yet near enough to hear her quiet lament, “ It is ‘er, my Crimsyn, my sweet sweet Crimsyn. Molly’s wrong, I am right. She izz my daughter, and I believe it was my Crimsyn.” I walked closer, leaving a cautious Caelum who does not approve my action. She is wringing her fingers, rocking back and forth, face flushed and cheeks wet, still chanting. “She izz my Crimsyn, my sweet Crimsyn. Now she’s ‘ere, I am not crazy. My little baby, my poupee. She izz not fake, she really izz my Crimsyn. I just know, I can’t be wrong. Je-“ but she stopped as I leaned my head on her back and hugged her from behind.

She turns from where she was standing and looks at me with wonder on her eys, “My oh, my, do you know my Crimsyn? Perhaps you have seen ‘er blundering about? She loves to play under the bushes, zee.” My breath was knocked out of my lungs as I registered her words. Did she just-

“Are you my Crimsyn?” Her desperate question broke my heart. Instead of answering her, I wrapped my arms around her once again, holding her tight. I pulled away slightly and took her hands on mine as I lead us back to the tree where Molly was pacing back and forth, growing paler by the second.

“Zank God you got to ‘er before she do somezing reckless! I cannot run after ‘er nowadays, it gets ‘arder and ‘arder. My chest constricts all the time now.” Molly sighs, her beefy legs shaking under the constraint.

“Does she do it often? Running away?” I asked Molly after I assisted Emily into drinking some water. Molly nodded, her ginger head bobbing making her resemble a very fat bubble head. “When she’s izztressed or when something ticks ‘er or reminds ‘er of you – she goes and ‘ave zis episodes.” Molly shifted on her feet and I glared at Caelum, who got the message quickly as he produced a chair from thin air.

He presented it to an oblivious Molly who appears to be grateful of the offer. She takes a seat, wringing her hands while she continues, “Zere were light episodes just like what had happened, but zen, zere were worst enough I couldn’t let her sleep on her own for I worry zat she might do something.”

“Why, I mean what did she do?”

“Well, zere wazz a morning. I made some pancakes for ‘er and zen when I wazz about, to take some syrup, she ran out of ze house, crying about ‘er ‘usband and ‘er daughzer. I found ‘er ‘ere, just by the river bank, preparing to throw ‘erself in ze water. I asked for ‘elp and we drag ‘er back to ze ‘ouze. She keeps on begging me to for ‘er ‘usband, for ‘er daughzer, but I can’t. I couldn’t find zem. I do not know ‘ow.” Molly sobbed on her hands, so pitiful I have to pat her back softly. Caelum awkwardly shifted on his feet, watching us interact with a weary look.

“I put up signs for five years straight but ze medication allowance iz only enough for our daily needz and I can’t –“ She wipes her tears and cried, “I can’t leave ‘er on ‘er own after what ‘appened. I decided to engage Emily to gardening and zat made ‘er episodes simmer down into a minimum. It’s been a good seven years since she had a very life threatening one.” Her voice quivered slightly as she sniffed, giving me a gentle smile.

“Thank you, for taking care of my mum after all these time,” her eyes widen as I captured her in my arms and leaned my head on her shoulder. I pulled away from the embrace and she gave me a gentle smile, her lips quivering. “I ‘ope ze test will show zat you are my niece. It will break ‘er ‘arder if it endz up negative.”

“Don’t worry. We will assure you that the test they are going to take will not fail to show us the true results,” Caelum smiled down at Molly as she paid Emily a loving, concern look.

We ate the fairy rolls we’ve bought and laughed at Molly as she gushes over Caelum, exclaiming, “You are a ‘andsome garcon. I am glad zat you and Crimsyn are togezer!”

Crimsyn – it will take me a while to get used to that name. Caelum glared at me as I laughed, spluttering juice all over his shirt which drips down on his face. His eyes widen comically as he let go of the knife he was holding to peel the apples, lounging at me with his teeth bare.

My mom watched us with such delight that it surprises Molly, who doubled over and slapped her hand on her knees, her chair groaning because of her weight.

We are so indulged with our fun that the presence of Aeon surprises us all. His pale blond hair reflected the afternoon light, his purple iris hidden in blue contact lenses as he focused it at me, lips formed in a smirk. He is carrying a white little box in his pale hands - should that be a cake? Perhaps, he has decided to bring some for us.

Aeon settled down next to me, pushing a button in the box to open it. A set of vials were laid out inside – a few of them so ancient that it appears vulnerable to touch.

The snap of gloves made me transfer my gaze at the box as I focused back at Aeon. He takes a vial and a silver dagger, all the while chanting something under his breath. Molly sat quietly, staring but not seeing at all – her hands on her lap as though she was asked to behave like a child. I looked at Caelum to see him waving his hand like he is controlling a puppet. Emily was also sitting still, though her eyes were not glazed over, “You think it will affect me?”

Her eerie voice startled me as she held out her hand for Aeon to wound. She did not flinch the slightest as the dagger ran inside her arm and her wound bled out. Aeon gathered the blood with the vial, muttering still. He closed the wound with a wave of his hand and he turned to me next, dagger tightly clutched as the vial swirls, floating. I held out my hand to him and he cut the inside of my arm making me hiss.

“You’re not gonna cry, are you?” Aeon’s voice were laced with amusement as he held the vial in place, muttering the incantation. He closed the wound quickly, his eyes not leaving mine.

“I know you.” Emily’s voice startled us and Aeon frowns, still chanting under his breath. “You are that man who talked to me before my Crimsyn disappeared. You said funny things to me.” Aeon stopped with his chanting and stared at Caelum who bowed his head down.

“I thought you casted it on her!”

“I did.”

“Then why does she remember everything?” Aeon asked in an incredulous voice that I looked at him, startled by his outburst.

“No, not everything. I sifted through her memories and all she remembers is her daughter and what had happened back at the park!” Caelum all but snapped, his hand tightly clutching the back of Molly’s chair as though he was trying not to lunge at Aeon and tackle him to the ground.

I cleared my throat and both of them glared at me. I rolled my eyes, “Don’t you think that I should say something? You are talking about my mother.”

“You can’t be sure about that yet – if she truly was your mother.” I rolled my eyes at Aeon and huffed, only then did I notice the weird gleam coming from the floating vial – the copper red turning gold.

“What is happening to the vial? Did I ruin the ritual for interrupting you awhile ago?” Aeon scratched his neck and shake his head, eyes wide, “Look at that! She really is your mother.”

I gawked, watching as the liquid inside the vial swirled, gleaming gold. Aeon takes it from the air while I turned to my mother as she slowly braids her hair, singing softly.

“Somewhere over the rainbow,” She noticed me looking at her and so Emily waves her hand, “Go on, you know the lyrics, Crimsyn. Sing with me.”

I bit my lip and continue her song, “-way up high.” I whispered, my voice quivering as I took her hand on mine and kissed it, singing, “There’s a place that I’ve heard of once on a lullaby.”

“Such a good girl you are, oui?” my mom leans in to kiss my forehead before she stands, jumping up and down as she exclaimed. “Molly! Molly, look.” She pulled at Molly’s hand and said, “She’s really my daughter, Molly. She izz my Crimsyn.” I glared at Caelum as Molly stayed in her seat, eyes blank.

“Molly!”

“Oh, yeah? What?” Molly turns on her seat and looks around, noticing Emily. “What is it, Ems?”

“Molly! She is my daughter!”

“How would you – I mean, how can you be so sure of that? You haven’t even confirmed it, yet.” Molly pushed herself up on the chair but it seems that it was holding on to her, making it hard for her to stand. I glared at Caelum but he raised his hands, proving that he isn’t guilty.

“Blasted chair! I can’t ugh – can you help me up?” Her pointed look made Caelum gulped, eyes wide as he stared at Molly. “Well?”

Caelum hesitated and I watched him as he pulled some gloves from his trousers and put it on discreetly. Molly doesn’t appear to have noticed this as she hand on to him like a sloth and together they heave. Caelum’s face is glowing red by the minute as he pulled with effort.

“Do you mind helping me?” He addressed to Aeon who remain seated, eyes still wide.

With both of their efforts, Molly was finally out of the chair, munching on a strawberry as though it did not bother her one bit. “How can you zay zat she’s your daughter, Emily?”

Emily ignored her as she pulled me closer and started braiding my hair; her fingers lightly caressing each strand and I delighted at the massage it delivers on my scalp. With half opened eyes, I observed Aeon as he packed his things. Caelum and him shared a look as they whispered a visit with Rause and I am surprised to see Aeon slinking away, blending with the crowd and disappearing behind the stalls.

The morning transitions into afternoon and I felt like all the years we have lost is being recovered. However slow the process might be, I am just thankful that my mother is now here and safe with me.

It wasn’t long until Molly have decided to call it a day for she has something that came up – something to do with the orders for their potted sunflowers that the both of them shall slave the day tomorrow and hopefully finish the seedlings just in time for delivery on Monday morning. Emily whines and begs Molly to let her stay the night with us – Molly did not blink an eye as she literally dragged my mother off her feet and in a few minutes, they were gone.

I felt quite sad as I stared at them, taking their leave, my heart suffering from witnessing my mother go; hoping that someday, given the chance, I’d get to follow them so I would know where my mother lives.

“Ready to go?” Caelum carefully said as he picks up the picnic basket and offered me his hand. I gave him half a smile as I take his hand. Kipawt Manor appeared almost instantly, surrounding us with its grandeur as it stood in front of us, the wind battering our coats.

I sighed, hugging myself close.

“Don’t be sad. There will be a next time,” I just nodded, not having the energy to respond. I stand from where I am sitting upon the grass and was surprised when Aeon screams from inside the house, “ Rubin! Caelum!”

I looked around in alarm, my heart hammering in my chest for I am afraid that Hades has finally found us only to see Aeon rushing – his immaculate blonde hair now ruffled as though he had been running his hands on it for hours.

I notice that he is carrying something in his hands, a black book so slim that it resembles the black box Caelum uses. I chance a glance to see Caelum’s expression resembling mine as he held on tight on the basket, his stance defensive.

Aeon shakes his head as he stands in front of us, looking as though he couldn’t find the words he shall say.

“What is it, Aeon?”

“Forget about my plans for tonight. There is something that I wanted you both to see,” He thrust the box at my hand and I asked, “What-?”

“Look! Read it, Rubin. Now.”

I scanned my eyes down on the words, frowning : Wounded man found by the River Seine!

Parisians were shocked to find an unconscious odd man, floating by the river, sighted at half past five in the evening. Spectators have confessed that the man has floated to the surface, his blood spilling copiously as though he has just fallen from a great height. Some had even stated that the man has wings but it is unlikely considering the lack of evidence and is probably a trick of the eye!

The said man is currently recovering in a hospital that has chosen not to disclose any information. The man has no identity and was therefore dubbed as “Newman,” since Parisians claimed that he had been born anew for surviving such injury.

I scrolled but the article ends there. “So?” I raised an eyebrow, not getting his point, “How is this important or helpful in any other way, Aeon? You just needed Rause, let me take you to her.”

“No.”

“What then?”

“It’s about Newman.” I frown at his answer, “And? What about Newman, Aeon?”

“It’s him. He is your dad. The one whom Hades pertains to – it was him all along!” I couldn’t listen anymore as I watched Aeon dance around, expression wild as he quoted and exclaimed, “Same face with a different name; as good as new as a banished man should do,”

Aeon smiled, his hands tightly clasp together and the both of us stand there, watching him as he jumped and released a cry before making his way back to the house, his robes billowing from behind.

“There’s only one way to confirm all this,” Caelum concluded as he puts the basket down on the grass and chased after Aeon who is still whooping. Aeon turns just in time as Caelum flicked his hand and in a moment, Autahvuwns Manor appeared before us.

With a purpose, Aeon followed Caelum as he pushed open the door, startling Newman who had just sensed our presence – he stands next to the door, sleep still lingering in his eyes with his buttons halfway done.

“I’m sorry, my lord. With no such notice, I haven’t had the chance to open the door for you.” Newman bowed his head low as Caelum pulled me by the threshold, his tight grip bruising my arm.

“It’s alright, Newman.”

“Would you like some tea, my lord? Perhaps some, biscuits? I made ’em after ye drop something off for me ter pick.” Newman did not wait for our answers as he dashes off to the kitchens and returned after a few minutes, his arms lathered with biscuits and teacups. I worriedly glanced at him as he tried the balance them all on the tray and lay it down on the table.

But as he begin distributing the teacups, Aeon waves his hand as he draws near, standing in front of a surprised Newman. Aeon brandished a knife at Newman who flinches and began stuttering, “My Lord! I haven’t done any wrong, why must you punish me? I don’t understand.”

“Hold out your arm,” Newman quickly followed the order, adjusting his sleeve so high that it allows more access to the glinting dagger. I can see the question and uncertainty in Newman’s eyes but he chose not to inquire about why he is suddenly asked to offer himself to be wounded.

Aeon pressed the dagger and ran it down on the inside of Newman’s arm, doing the same process just like a while ago. He drawn out the blood and put it in the vial. He need not to tell me what I should do next as I offered him my arm, not waiting for his instructions. He waves his hand over Newman’s wound and turned to me.

The action was quick and with a sigh, I listen to Aeon as he chanted under his breath, focusing his gaze at the floating vial.

My hands are sweaty as I watched – why is it taking twice as long as it did before?

I looked at Aeon with a questioning gaze while he chanted louder, fingers tightly clasped, his eyes now closed. It doesn’t take long before the vial shimmered gold and I shielded my eyes.

But what amazes me more is when the vial twirls and settled in front of Newman. Suddenly, Newman’s face shifted and now I can see the similarities between the two of us.

I gawked while Newman remains shocked, his face comical.

“Dad?” I asked out loud before I lunge myself at him. “Dad!”

Newman was so shocked that he remains as stiff as a board while I tightened my arms around him, rejoicing. “I knew it. The moment I saw you, I have a suspicion. I thought your concern is only a part of coincidence but my instincts remain correct. I am happy that I found you, Dad.” I pulled away and looked up at him, my cheeks stained with tears.

We stood there, staring at each other; Newman remains as stoic and shocked as he did and it quite wound me a bit to see this exoression.

Caelum pulled me away from Newman and out of the living room and inside the kitchen, “Rubin, there’s something that I want you to know.”

“What is it?”

“Newman is called Newman for a reason. He is a changed man , he is not the same. He won’t be like your mum,” Caelum sighs as he stands in front of me, bowing his head and awkwardly shifting on his feet, his lips moving – open and close as though he cannot find the right words to say. I bowed my head down, unable to say anything to contradict with him.

“Newman’s heart has been broken when he was vanished. He remains to be emotionally detached – another side effect of Erosians once they got rid of you. He will not give you the loving that you expect.”

I squared up my shoulders and gritted out, “I don’t care.” I cross my arms over my chest and huffed, “I don’t care if he won’t love me back because he has forgotten how to, what matters to me now is that I have them both.”

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